new review - this time from Australia

Martin's novel took
me on a gentle journey of discovery through the years preceding and during World
War One. The fresh approach to this timeframe, so different to recent Downton
Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, was that it was from the point of view of the
villagers rather than the aristocracy. Their heartache and hopes were palpable
in a story where the heroine was plucky and more importantly believable. I found
each time I picked the book up, I didn't want to put it down and without issuing
spoilers, I would say Katy's journey had me trussed and bound to the end. Each
of Martin's characters were so very real and I believe this is the author's real
skill. She can create a character so genuine, it's as if they are sitting
opposite drinking tea. Her research into the timeframe is evidenced with a light
hand and I commend this book to anyone wanting a love-story with honest depth
and detail.